According to Turkish law, citizenship is acquired by birth or later in cases regulated by law.
The ability of foreign nationals to acquire Turkish citizenship thanks to their investments in a certain amount and scope in Turkey is considered within the scope of citizenship acquisition in exceptional cases in the Turkish Citizenship Law.
Issues regarding the acquisition of Turkish citizenship through investment are regulated in the Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458 (YUKK), the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 (TVK) and other legal legislation.
Many different investment types are regulated in the law.
One of the investment types listed in the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law is fixed capital investment. The form, amount and more detailed issues of this investment are also regulated by Presidential decisions.
What is Fixed Capital Investment?
Fixed capital; It is a type of capital that covers investments made for assets such as real estate, property and buildings. By fixed capital investments, we mean the expenditures made for the procurement of tools that need to be procured for new production.
What are the Fixed Capital Investment Requirements for Citizenship?
First of all, foreign investors who want to acquire Turkish citizenship through fixed capital investment must invest at least 500,000 US Dollars or the equivalent foreign currency.
With the latest amendment, it is required that the foreign investor who will apply must invest in a currency other than Turkish lira.
The fixed capital investment made must be determined by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
The investment must be deposited in a bank operating in Turkey.
The type of fixed capital investment to be made is also important. For example, purchasing real estate alone is not considered a fixed capital investment.
Procedure to Follow
Foreign investors who will request citizenship in addition to fixed capital investment must also apply to the Ministry of Industry and Technology to obtain a CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY.
After receiving the foreigner's eligibility certificate, he/she MUST APPLY FOR A SHORT TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT in accordance with paragraph J of Article 31 of the Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458.
After obtaining the above-mentioned eligibility certificate and a short-term residence permit, you can now apply for Turkish citizenship.
Who Decides on the Acceptance of the Application for Citizenship by Investment?
The outcome of the application of a foreigner who applies for citizenship based on his investment is decided by the President.
Can the family of a foreigner who invests acquire Turkish citizenship?
Can a Foreign Investor's Family Also Benefit from Turkish Citizenship?
When a foreign applicant acquires Turkish citizenship through investment, his or her spouse and minor dependent children can also acquire Turkish citizenship without the need for any other conditions or procedures.
Is Residence Required in Turkey to Apply for Citizenship After Investing?
Foreign applicants can apply for citizenship through their lawyer before coming to Turkey.